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Aromas of blood plums, violets, licorice, spices and dried herbs. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a generous mouthfeel framed by finely extracted tannins and bright acidity. There’s tension to the wine and persistent purity of fruit in the finish. California's nod to the northern Rhone at the highest level. 100% whole-cluster fermentation. Drink or hold.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Radius is a gorgeous wine from a favorable growing season. Velvety berry fruit and elegant structure are the orders of the day. Supple and focused, it is supremely clear and precise, with beautiful curves. Tea leaves, blood orange and sweet black cherry flesh out, expanding like a peacock's tail on the epically long finish. What a beautiful wine. (BN)

Rose, mint and a whiff of forest floor accent primary aromas of ripe red berry on the gorgeous 2021 Capalot from rising star Cristian Boffa. Made with grapes grown in the Capalot MGA in La Morra, the elegant, vibrant palate delivers ripe raspberry, succulent red cherry, cinnamon stick and licorice accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced and loaded with energy. (KO)

The compelling Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello captivates with pronounced aromas of fragrant purple flower, eucalyptus, Mediterranean brush and perfumed berry. All about class and extreme finesse, the elegant palate delivers succulent wild raspberry, crushed Marasca cherry, spiced orange zest and star anise set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance and great intensity. Year after year Andrea Costanti turns out what are among the very best wines from Montalcino, and the 2021 is no exception, it’s an absolute stunner with great aging potential. (KO)

This shows aromas of red cherries, earthy nuances and mushrooms. Medium- to full-bodied, with great length and a chiselled, evenly distributed palate, displaying a fine balance between fruit, acidity and tannin. The label bears the distinction Selección Especial, a designation last used for this wine in 2001 and reserved for exceptional vintages. Sourced from vineyards in Rodezno, Labastida and Cenicero, it is aged for its first year in new American oak. Approachable now but with the structure and balance to evolve over time. (JGA)

A fabulous wine of focus and polish with very fine tannins that caress your palate and give great length to the finish. Medium to full body. The aromas of violets and currants are so beautiful. Dreamy. Best ever? A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, 2% merlot, 1% malbec and 1% petit verdot.

It’s hard to find a bad 2021 Rioja, says Isaac Muga. This wonderful blend of Tempranillo, 18% Garnacha and 3.5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo definitely showcases the superb quality of the vintage. Stylishly aged in 40% new oak, it has lots of colour and intensity, a hint of stylish reduction, vibrant blackberry and dark plum flavours and a sheen of mocha spice.

Alluring aromas of dark exotic spice, black-skinned berry, violet and juniper waft out of the glass on the gorgeous 2021 Fontalloro. Elegant and structured, the chiseled palate is incredibly focused, delivering ripe Morello cherry, cassis, star anise and cake spice alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and energized. While it’s tempting now, this is still in its infancy and needs time to fully develop so give it a few more years.

The Doc's Ranch is east-facing 1150-1200ft of elevation, and according to Cobb, it is pummeled with fog. The slope is southeast facing, and Ross uses 50% whole cluster to make this wine—aromas of red flowers and mint, white pepper and wild green strawberries. The palate shows sweet red berries, lightly spiced with notes of white pepper and an elegantly textured mouthfeel. This Pinot dances across the palate with zippy, savoury white pepper and a fresh note of evergreen sap and lithe pine needles lingering on through the finish. (CP)

Aromas of violets, lavender, licorice, nutmeg and potpourri. Full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that are crunchy and silky, showing freshness and bright fruit at the end. Caressing texture. An excellent example of the vintage. Needs time to come together, but is very pretty and satisfying. Try after 2028. (JS)

A remarkable blend sourced from Montagna Vineyard and from sites in Oak Knoll and Calistoga. Montagna Vineyard is located on Pritchard Hill in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. This full-bodied wine features notes of cardamom, black liquorice, and black cherry, complemented by a perfumed bouquet of wild herbs. Crafted by the talented winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, it is a lovely and sophisticated wine. (JC)

Stupendous and complex aromas of dried strawberries, smoke, oyster shells and rust follow through to a medium body with dusty, velvety tannins that give length and lift. Spicy at the end, with cloves and gunpowder. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

The Hillfighter, a “second label” from WeatherEye, is mostly Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 24% Syrah and 7% Tempranillo. I loved how its dried blueberry, worn saddle leather and graphite aromas reminded me of a mature Bordeaux. The wine's flavors of black cherry are ably backed by fine-grained tannins. *Editors' Choice*

My apologies to all of you who have been waiting for this wine to be replenished. But I am here to tell you, as always, it is worth the wait. The 2021 "La Côte" is everything I want in an old-school Côtes-du-Rhône. Plenty of raspberry, toasted tobacco and a touch of peppery spice, with that savory quality that keeps you coming back to the glass. This wine is not about flashy fruit—it's a classic Rhône that delivers exactly what you want it to. For those in the know, you know what you've been waiting for. For those who don't, La Côte is one of our all-time best sellers, and with good reason. Vigneron Rudi de Pins' wines have been staples here at K&L for years because they consistently deliver character, quality and tremendous value. The 2021 is another reminder of why we keep going back to them.

The 2021 Puzzle is Newton's mountain Cabernet blend at its most generous, dense and dark. It pours rich and dark, chocolate and mocha lifting out of the glass, before turning soft and fabulously friendly on the palate. Chalky dark fruit abounds, with a generous, almost decadent finish. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from Newton's high volcanic sites, filled out with the a supporting cast of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

The nose is intensely aromatic and floral, with piercing notes of crushed strawberries, potpourri and orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with seamless tannins and bright acidity, showing red currants, forest floor, cassia bark and mulberries. Very balanced and pure, with 40% whole cluster. Drink or hold.

Beautiful 100% Tempranillo, oak-aged Rioja with great intensity, expression and harmony. Sourced from small, non-irrigated vineyard parcels at 500m-580m in San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Abalos (Rioja Alta), the destemmed fruit is fermented then transferred to a concrete tank for malolactic, then racked into used 225L French and American oak barrels to mature for 14 months. Full of appealing blueberry and gentle spice supported by smooth, velvety tannins, it's an elegant wine with real poise that still offers satisfying concentration. The finish is moreish and invites further drinking. (BW)

My favorite wine of the flight, the Barale Fratelli 2021 Barolo del Comune di Barolo hints at some of the savory notes (like cured meat and dried tobacco leaf) that we saw in the rest of the range; however, this wine has a stronger and fresher fruit side with cherry and blackberry. It is fermented in stainless steel and matured in French botti for 30 months. (ML)

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a jeweled ruby hue and is strikingly pure and transparent from the start. The aromatics are lifted and detailed, with raspberry liqueur, crushed wildflowers, orange oil, bergamot, and a cool, stony mineral edge. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless feel yet tremendous depth, with polished, velvety tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and a long, seamless finish that carries with quiet power. It should evolve beautifully with time and offer exceptional drinking over the next two to three decades. Drink 2028-2055. (AF)

The 2021 Brunello Helicrhysum is stunning wine with energy, structure and finesse. Made with organically grown grapes, it opens with heady aromas of new leather, lavender, dark spice and dark-skinned fruit. Firmly structured and showing great intensity, the palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and dried mint alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. It’s still youthfully austere, with bright acidity. (KO)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2021 Domaine de la Côte "Memorious" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (97JS, 95WE, 95WS, 94VN, 93RP). James Suckling: "Crushed stone, raspberry and strawberry character. Medium-bodied with density and a toned structured. White pepper notes come through. Racy and bright. " (03/2023)

Bid on this bottle of 2021 Vice Versa "Mysterons" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (98JD, 96RP, 95DC). Jeb Dunnuck: "Coming just about all from the Ecotone Vineyard (there's a splash of Georges III in here), the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mysterons is deep purple-hued, with an insanely good bouquet of red and black fruits, iron, bloody meat, and graphite, and it turns slightly more floral and violet-tinged with air. Classic, quintessential 2021 Napa Valley magic, it's full-bodied and has tons of obvious minerality, a stacked mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 5-7 years of bottle age. It will most likely merit a perfect rating at maturity. (JD) 98+" (02/2024)

Bid on this bottle of 2021 Vice Versa "Beckstoffer To Kalon" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (97JD, 97RP). Wine Advocate: "Once again, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of my favorites among the current lineup from Vice Versa. Gentle sage and pipe tobacco nuances accent ripe red and black cherries, plus there are hints of fine suede and complex notes of dried spices. It's full-bodied and concentrated, richly tannic but ripe, silky and fine. There's a certain elegance and generosity here, despite the large-scale tannins. Great stuff. (JC) 97+" (01/2024)

Bid on this bottle of 2021 Tor Kenward "Pure Magic" Oakville Bordeaux Blend (97DC, 97JD, 97JS, 96RP, 96VN). James Suckling: "This has wonderful length and focus with racy fine tannins that go on for minutes. Medium body with tension and beauty. Extremely long and linear. A different nature to it. One for the cellar. Drink after 2026." (11/2023)

Bid on this bottle of 2021 Saxum "4hearts Vineyard" Paso Robles Red Blend (98JD, 94DC, 94RP, 94WS). Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Four Hearts Vineyard is another flat-out awesome 2021 that readers will love. Based on 46% Petite Sirah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Zinfandel, it sports a saturated purple hue to go with exotic notes of cassis, green tobacco, sandalwood, baking spices, and incense. It’s clearly the finest vintage of this cuvée to date, and this full-bodied, incredibly pure, layered, flawlessly balanced red can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for upwards of 10-15 years, depending on your preferences. The tannin quality here is off the charts." (08/2023)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2021 Les Cousins (Vice Versa & L'Aventure) California Cabernet Sauvignon (98JD, 97RP). Jeb Dunnuck: " A blend of the best barrels from Vice Versa and L'Aventure, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant wine that I wish every reader could taste, as it shows the best of two regions I love. Ripe cassis, blackberries, spring flowers, and a kiss of leafy herbs, as well as some classic Paso Robles chalky minerality, all emerge from this full-bodied, deep, plush, yet focused and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins here are brilliant, as is the purity of fruit, and while I love it today, it's going to evolve for another 20-25 years." (02/2024)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2021 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (96JD, 94JS, 93DC, 93RP). Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is floral with perfume and ripe red berries, as well as notes of framboise, rosemary, and incense. Offering fantastic balance, with fine tannins, fresh seamless acidity, and a good purity of fruit, this is a very attractive wine now and will continue to provide prime drinking over the next 12 or more years. (AF)" (07/2023)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2021 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (94DC, 94JD, 94JS, 94RP). Wine Advocate: "The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was matured for 15 months in 34% new oak. It has a medium ruby color and generous aromatic layers of lavender, licorice, eucalyptus and forest floor with a core of dark fruit. The medium-bodied palate is powerful, its concentrated fruit complemented by well-integrated oak spice. It has abundant, grainy tannins, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, layered finish. Offer it another 2-3 years in bottle to unwind. (EB)" (06/2023)

From the iconic and historic Evangelho Vineyard owned and farmed by Bedrock Wine Co. These vines were planted in 1888. They grown on thier own roots in 30+ ft of pure sand in the town of Antioch. It is truly a special vineyard and unique terroir. Precedent was founded by winemaker Nathan Kandler in 2006. Precedent grew from a small side project into a focused exploration of California’s historic and often overlooked vineyard sites. While Kandler is also known for his work at Thomas Fogarty Winery, Precedent allows him to spotlight old-vine plantings and heritage varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Carignane, Mataro, Riesling, and Zinfandel from distinctive vineyards across California.

An excellent vintage in Rioja, and the promise of Yjar is delivering a totally knockout wine here. Impossible not to smile when tasting this, so much energy and precision, savoury, mouthwatering redcurrant, cranberry, blueberry fruits, with waves of dried herbs, lavender, and crushed rose petals. Juicy, moreish, building in power across the palate. Tasted at the estate and again in Bordeaux. Telmo Rodriguez winemaker of this 3.8ha plot set within his family Remelluri estate in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa. Harvest October 14 to 24, fermentation with native yeasts, open top wooden vats.

For our classic Barolo, I turned to a rising-star estate whose meticulous vineyard work in the stunning 2021 vintage produced a wine of incredible purity and elegance. This is the definition of a "discovery." The wine offers soaring aromatics of pure red fruits—crushed raspberry, cherry, and rose petal—with a vibrant, energetic palate supported by fine, silky tannins. It’s a beautifully transparent and fragrant Barolo that captures the finesse of the vintage. It’s a chance to get in on the ground floor with a future star of the region.

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova pours a deep red hue and opens with an exceptionally layered bouquet of suede, cigar box, tobacco, black cherries, and plum. Full-bodied, it’s packed with youthful tension at this stage, but it has a seamless, weightless feel, with polished tannins, refreshing acidity, and a flinty mineral edge that keeps the finish lifted and long. It’s a gorgeous Tenuta Nuova that has everything working in harmony and will only improve with time in bottle. Drink 2026-2050. (AF)

Aromas of rose, camphor, wet stone and botanical herb form the alluring nose on the 2021 Comune di La Morra from Cristian Boffa. Aged in large Slavonian casks, the taut, full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, blood orange and star anise alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. (KO)

Remarkably pure and fresh. Pristine black cherry and blackberry, layered with beautiful violet aromas. Everything builds with precision and focus, supported by gorgeously firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins that bring energy and drive. The wine is compact and tightly wound at this youthful stage, its intensity truly emblematic of the vintage.

From brothers Stu and Charlie Smith comes their 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain, a precise blend of 81.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc, and 0.4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak, with only 1,652 cases produced, this wine showcases the meticulous dry farming of their 15.4-hectare vineyard at a 2000ft elevation, with vines dating back to 1971. The 2021 vintage is yet another testament to their mastery, offering a purity and elegance that define these Cabernets, with impeccable structure for long-term cellaring. In 2021, the tannins are firm, soaring, built like sky-scrapers, yet remarkably well-integrated. The nose offers a beautiful black cherry and red currant potpourri, mingling with pressed wildflowers, sage, capsicum, and tobacco leaf. Juicy plum fruit intertwines with a graphite minerality, and while there’s notable density to the fruit, a fine backbone of crunchy acidity imparts a stunning lightness and lift. Readers seeking Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage with serious cellaring potential should consider stocking up on Smith Madrone's offerings, as these '21s are true cellar-worthy gems. (JC)

The Massolino 2021 Barolo reveals a shiny ruby color and a core of dark fruit. Beyond the plummy fruit is tar, licorice, pressed flower and campfire ash. This wine has a pronounced savory side, yet it all fits squarely into a very delicate and finessed delivery. This is a pretty example of the vintage. (ML)

Focused herbal, wild black fruit and tobacco nose. The youthful palate is poised and approachable with a soft texture, high tannins and brisk acidity. It has an intensity of flavour in the mouth and an energetic, impressively long, finish. A very accomplished expression of Graciano. The value here is superb! *Platinum Medal 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards*

A very tight and precise Syrah with blackberry, white pepper, brine and gunpowder. Medium body, with fine and firm tannins. Really shy and beautiful. Drinkable but so much better in a year or two. (JS)

A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity. (ZS)

A big, gorgeous and full-bodied wine. It's syrah-based, with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and other red grape varieties blended in. So dark, deep and robust, with blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and chocolate accents. (JG)

From the only producer to use the AP Charlemagne label, this shows a lovely citrussy nose with hints of mineral and hawthorn flowers. The texture is compact but not heavy; there is abundant acidity to balance the impressive level of extract, and an immensely satisfying finish. It is produced from two parcels totalling 0.5ha. One faces south on the Aloxe side, and one faces west on the Pernand side. The combination is compelling and should not be overlooked. (Drink between 2025-2040)

A recent Corpinnat standout for me has been the 2021 Huguet de Can Feixes Brut Nature, which is a steal at just $19.99. The primary grape here is Parellada, which is the most fruit-forward of the local Penedès varieties and represents 55% of the total blend, balanced by 35% Macabeo (a.k.a. Viura in Rioja) and 10% Pinot Noir. On the palate, classic yeasty notes of sourdough come through, and the Brut Nature style results in a lean, crisp and racy style of Corpinnat. There’s just such a nice balance between the fresh acidity and the dense fruit notes – this would be a great wine to have on hand for the festive season.

This wine opens with aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, rose and roasted earth giving way to a palate that is elegant and refined. Mixed red fruits dance with savory spice, herbs and underbrush finished by fine tannins and balanced acidity. (JP)

Seductive depth and focus on the nose, at once fresh and complex, with mineral freshness underpinning the richness of the ripe red fruit. It leverages the juiciness of the Garnacha fruit, with a citric drive of blood orange,pink grapefruit and red apple crunch. Focus and energy throughout, with a lingering sweet spiciness on the long finish. (IS)

Excellent and refined, showing deep, fresh blackberries with tar, dark minerals, cocoa powder and roasted spices. Full-bodied with tight but fine-grained tannins. Lasting well in the finish. (ZS)

Fresh and complex aromas of black fruits, olives, iris, violet and oak spice make for an inviting nose. The palate boasts a generous and balanced delivery of ripe blueberry, black cherry, mushroom and wild thyme. The finish is delightful with pure fruit that stays long through its clean finish. A beautiful bottling that can be enjoyed in its youth. (ACC)

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all finely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb. (AG) 95+

From the historic Kirchenmann Vineyard owned and farmed by Tegan Passalacqua of Turley / Sandlands. This vineyard was planted in 1915 and still grows to this day on its own roots. The soils here is a fine sandy loam with an unusual limestone layer some 15-20ft down. Precedent Wines was founded by winemaker Nathan Kandler in 2006. Precedent grew from a small side project into a focused exploration of California’s historic and often overlooked vineyard sites. While Kandler is also known for his work at Thomas Fogarty Winery, Precedent allows him to spotlight old-vine plantings and heritage varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Carignane, Mataro, Riesling, and Zinfandel from distinctive vineyards across California. Production is intentionally small, with an emphasis on site transparency and traditional winemaking. Kandler works with meticulously farmed vineyards, frequently choosing parcels outside California’s most famous appellations, and favors native fermentations, restrained oak use, and minimal intervention in the cellar.